Phragmipedium Grande

The excitement begins as Phragmipedium Grande begins to open a flower. This orchid is a cross between Phragmipedium longifolium and P. caudatum. P. longifolium comes from Costa Rica and Panama, and from western Columbia and western Ecuador, and is usually found growing with its roots in a gravel stream bed. It is aptly named, with leaves to 3 feet long. It has flowers about 7 cm in diameter and has outstretched side petals. The spikes bloom sequentially over a long period, sometimes years. P. caudatum comes from Columbia to Bolivia. The side petals are pendant and reach extreme lengths, to 50 cm long. All flowers open at once, lasting a week or two and blooming every two to three years. The petals grow until they touch the ground (or until they reach their maximum ability), providing a runway for the ants that serve as pollinators. It grows in forest duff rather than streamside. Phragmipedium Grande inherits a (relatively) faster and easier growing habit (if you happen to possess a tropical stream or can simulate one) from parent P. longifolium, and has the simultaneous blooming quality from P. caudatum. Petal length is intermediate between the two, varying with the grex. The flowers of mine will have petals to about 15 inches. Petals will continue to stretch for about a week until it reaches its max.